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Updated 10/10/2012 10:02 PM

Syracuse Coworks offers space for new businesses

If you need a space for a meeting or to house a new business, there's a new place. You'll have to share it with others, but that's the point. Syracuse Coworks held its grand opening, Wednesday. Our Iris St. Meran tells us how it works, and how it's working out for businesses that’ve already enrolled.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Brian Caufield started Folksware Technologies in April. He develops computer applications and can do his job almost anywhere.

Caufield said, "I can Skype and instant message back and forth with the people I work with from any place. It could be in a coffee shop. It could be in my house."

It could be. But he chose this space inside the Syracuse Tech Garden, called Syracuse Cowork.

"It puts a professional face on my company, so that if I need to meet a client, there's a conference room, a world class conference room right next door that we can book when we need it, access to internet and printing facilities that are all high quality," Caufield added.

Coworks had its grand opening Wednesday. It was started by young professionals group, 40-Below with support from law firm Harris Beach. This communal working environment is a first of its kind in the region, with a goal of helping freelancers and entrepreneurs have a good start.

Harris Beach Corporate Strategy and Public Affairs Advisor Susan Crossett said, "Share ideas, bounce projects off each other, share in projects, connect with the community in a very informal way.”

The space in the tech garden can be tailored to your needs. Business owners can rent out the space for just a day or something more long-term.

"I'm planning on keeping this spot,” Caufield said, “That would work for me at least for now."

His spot is tailored, he prefers to stand while he works. He's enjoying t he quietness that comes with being the first and only tenant, but welcomes the distraction and ideas that will come when others share the space.

It took five months to renovate the space. It cost less than $10,000 and was paid for through funding from the private sector.

If you're interested in learning more or to rent the space, 40belowsyracuse.com.